PHOTOS: Shannon and the Clams Surf Through the House of Blues

On Sunday night, Shannon and the Clams opened for Dan Auerbach and the Easy Eye Sound Revue at the House of Blues. Having just released their fifth album, Onion, via Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label in February, Shannon and the Clams was a shoehorn fit into the night’s lineup. As producer on Onion, Auerbach’s influence is nuanced but noticeable, tweaking the band’s signature sixties surf-rock sound to give it more more depth, soul, and pop.

Shannon and the Clams walked on stage at 8:00pm, dressed in a mix of classic western and vintage prom attire, pairing cowboy boots with yellow blazers and ten gallon hats with sparkly silver face paint. After ripping through the first half of their set with “Ozma,” “Rip Van Winkle,” and “If You Could Know,” the band slowed things down to joke with the crowd. Vocalists Shannon Shaw and Cody Blanchard mused over the venue’s lively and wall-to-wall atmosphere, commenting, “This is so cool! I feel like we’re in prison. Like “Jailhouse Rock” Like Elvis prison!” Other highlights from their set included “The Boy,” the lead track off of Onion, and slow jam “Did You Love Me.”

Dan Auerbach’s set was equally enthralling, filling the stage with over nine guitars, seven musicians ranging from bass to bongos, and two special guest appearances. After rocking the stage with his definitive blues-rock sound, Auerbach invited Shannon Shaw back to the stage, allowing her vocals to truly shine and stand in two stripped down performances of “Cold Pillows” and “Broke My Own.” After Shaw, Auerbach brought on blues legend Robert Finley, who fired up the crowd with his soulful singing and wild dancing, decked out in skin tight leather pants and a bright silk shirt.

Shannon and the Clams continue their tour with Dan Auerbach and the Easy Eye Sound Revue into April, heading West to Chicago, Kansas City, and and Denver, so catch them if you can. And although Shannon and the Clams will no longer be opening for them, Auerbach and gang are swinging back into Boston on May 21 at Brighton Music Hall.

See below for photos from the show: